A new global partnership between Emirates and Qantas touted as improving Australia-to-Europe links could lead to the rationalisation of transtasman services, an analyst says.
The agreement will help Qantas to cut loss-making long-haul routes and focus on its profitable domestic flights and budget airline Jetstar.
The Australian airline will move its hub for European flights from Singapore to Dubai under the 10-year codesharing partnership, described by Qantas as opening a new era for global aviation.
The airlines say they "will also co-ordinate their respective transtasman services" offering improved schedules for flights to Christchurch and Auckland - including starting Emirates' daily A380 services between Melbourne and Auckland next month.
Craigs Investment Partners aviation analyst Chris Byrne said the Qantas-Emirates partnership was inevitable given the state of the Australian airline.